A Retrieval

 End of Day 1

 Note to self for next shopping opportunity: A wiper blade.  The captain struggled to see out of the cabin today with the dismal rain blurring his view.  In the words of our darling friend Gary, the weather was " shift full ".

Good progress was made.

 

Total tally: 71km, 1 lock




Approaching a lock

Sharing Lock space



The girl's first lock

 

Day 2

 NO INTERNET!!

 

 

We took off just after 8:30am., photographing wild ponies on the banks as we went.




The Internet continues to remain elusive. Ali, in charge of acquiring it, spoke on the phone at length to T-Mobile. It turns out that credit was paid to the wrong number. Still waiting for Enrico to pay the monies....something we can't actually do ourselves given the restricted payment options.

 

Despite a sunny start, the dismal grey clouds rolled over. G appears to be mastering the manoeuvring caper, as demonstrated by our need to parallel park between 2 boats in a very busy lock. We were directed to go there. As apprehensive as I was, ( based on memories of last years efforts), G nailed it!

 

A quiet day on board. Made Jill's scrumptious choc chip cookies....BUT....discovered that we had already run out of milk! What an over sight. We don't look like seeing a shop for a couple of days. Whaaaah!!!

 

Sampling Choc Chip Cookie batter

 

A careful study of the charts showed a possibility for provisioning with a mooring option adjacent to the village of Achen. Excellent timing since that sort of proximity is rare.

 
The "Passenten Haven" despite being adorably cute was small and unfortunately located next to a rocky shoreline. A cautious approach would have paid off here......

Since I was below deck, the scraping noises that ensued were elevated to deafening decibels. I was swamped with dread.....

Fear factor: high

Thoughts: Irrational

Anxiety level: Off the scales

Collateral damage: keel scraped, paint work damaged, propellers OK

Pride and confidence:  Badly wounded

 Ali, Maddi and I took off on foot to uncover an adorable little riverside village. Beautiful boutique shops and pretty facades spilled down the narrow streets. More " damage" was done at the bakery !


Setting off to explore



The Village of Achen

  

The Village of Achen

   

Achen

 We had an audience when G pulled out of the mooring. I busied myself downstairs in total denial... We slipped away without incident. 4:00pm.

 

Despite the stop, we were slightly ahead of schedule.


 

 

We ploughed on. This was to be a determined effort. Looking ahead, there were only a few mooring options that weren't marinas. We canvassed each one as we passed. They were small,....one was too shallow. It was late now as we headed for our last option for the night, adjacent the city of Roermond.

The entrance was small and  narrowing with each metre. Our concern gave way to to elation as we beheld a beautiful little dock, well designed, centrally located, and empty! It was ours!!!

 Right alongside were bustling restaurants and cafes. The street lamps were laden with petunias spilling down the poles. The arched stone bridges were up lit and magnificent. By now it was 9:00 pm. We had managed :

4 locks and exactly 100km. A huge effort!

 


Mooring at Roermond

The tired captain and crew ambled across the small street into the nightlife, bars and restaurants scene. with a selection made, we all sat down for a well deserved treat in a very ambient atmosphere. 4 stunning meals for 4 weary travellers.


Roermond

 

The streets of Roemond



Roermond